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Center Information, Center Concept and Objectives

Center Concept

The Texas A&M University (TAMU) system has one of the best research faculties in the plant sciences and some of the finest facilities worldwide promoting an institutional commitment to technical, economic development. Fruit and vegetable research programs on the main campus at College Station are linked with six regional Agricultural Research and Extension (AREC) that provide a diverse research capability and respond to a wide variation of environmental conditions across the state.

The concept of the Center is achieved by utilizing combined scientific knowledge in solving major problems that limit fruit and vegetable production and marketing. Identified problems are placed in priority order with input from an advisory committee. Teams of scientists are assembled to address the problems with a focus on plant breeding and variety improvement. When resources are limiting, the corporate affiliate members may assist in developing a financial plan to support the efforts.

Objectives

•	Maintain momentum in current base programs in vegetable and fruit research.
•	Identify major needs of the vegetable and fruit industry and form interdisciplinary teams to solve problems through research emphasizing genetic improvements in produce nutrition, human health benefits, flavor and resistance to biological and environmental stress.
•	Promote the visibility of existing research programs and develop new programs in cooperation with the vegetable and fruit industry.
•	Develop new technology in vegetable and fruit research programs.
•	Implement new strategies for funding research projects.
•	Provide authoritative and credible technical information to consumer and producer clientele groups through the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and other dissemination systems.
•	Enrich graduate education by offering students the opportunity to interact with interdisciplinary research teams and to work cooperatively with the vegetable and fruit industry.